Episode Details

The Bible is the bestselling book in history, yet more than half of Americans have barely read it. The most common reason? It’s hard to understand, and the parts we struggle with most are usually the ones rooted in a history very different from our own.

In this episode, Heather and Sarah share 3 reasons why knowing the Bible’s historical context changes the way we read it:

• It exposes our biases and assumptions
• It lets us hear what the original audience heard
• It gives us a framework for every story

To put it to the test, the Chara Project team takes on one of the most debated verses in scripture: “Do not… put tattoo marks on yourselves” (Leviticus 19:28). What did it mean to the people who first heard it, and does it apply to us today?

If you’ve ever opened the Bible and felt lost, this episode will give you a new lens for reading it with confidence.

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

Related episodes:
Ep. 120 | How to (Carefully) Leverage AI for Bible Study
Ep. 121 | How to Determine Cultural vs. Timeless Bible Passages

To learn more about reading the Bible in context, download the CHARA Bible study guide and find more resources at www.thecharaproject.com/charaguide. Subscribe for more on understanding the Bible, and tell us in the comments: has a verse ever changed for you once you learned its history?

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

Support the show